Full Arch Restorations in Fayetteville, AR

We design full arch dental implants as a long-term tooth replacement option, but no dental restoration can be guaranteed to last for a specific number of years. How long your restoration lasts depends on oral hygiene, general health, bite forces, bone support, smoking habits, regular dental visits, and how well the restoration is maintained. The implants themselves and the prosthetic teeth may have different maintenance or replacement needs over time. We recommend regular examinations and professional cleanings so we can check the implants, soft tissue, implant abutments, and prosthesis for signs of wear or problems. If we identify concerns such as screw loosening, peri-implant disease, or changes in your bite, we can address them early to help protect the restoration.

We don’t consider one treatment better for every patient because traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures, and fixed full arch restorations serve different needs. A full arch implant restoration offers more stability because it’s supported by dental implants, while traditional dentures generally rest on the gums and are removable. Many patients like having a restoration that feels more secure during speaking and eating. However, implant treatment involves surgery, adequate bone support, healing time, ongoing maintenance, and a larger treatment commitment than traditional dentures. During your evaluation, we can compare the available treatment options and help you decide which one fits your oral health, goals, and individual circumstances.

The number of dental implants needed depends on the condition of your jaw, bone volume, bone density, bite, restoration design, and other clinical factors. Some treatment plans can support an arch with 4 implants, while others may require a different number or arrangement of implants. We use advanced imaging and a comprehensive evaluation to examine possible implant sites before deciding on the best approach. We don’t just want to use a certain number of implants, but to create reliable support for the planned fixed implant-supported prostheses. We will explain the recommended number and location of implants after evaluating your individual mouth.

Not every patient needs bone grafting before full arch dental implants. We evaluate your existing bone volume and bone density with an exam and imaging before recommending implant placement. If significant bone loss is present, bone grafting or procedures such as sinus lifts may be considered to improve the available foundation for implant dentistry. In other situations, the position and design of the implants may allow treatment to proceed without extensive grafting, depending on your anatomy and treatment goals. We will explain if grafting is recommended and how it will affect your overall treatment plan before we start.

Recovery after full arch implant supported treatment varies because the procedure involves different steps depending on the patient’s starting condition and treatment plan. After implant surgery, some swelling, tenderness, and temporary discomfort around the implant sites can occur, and we provide instructions to help with the recovery. Local anesthesia is commonly used during treatment, while IV sedation may be an option in appropriate situations depending on the planned procedure and patient needs. During the following months, the implants integrate with the jawbone while a temporary prosthesis or provisional prosthesis may be used when clinically appropriate. We schedule follow-up visits to monitor proper healing before moving forward with the final prosthesis.